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Reps Propose 5-Year Jail Term for Exam Cheats, Spark National Outrage
A newly proposed bill by the House of Representatives recommending stricter penalties for examination malpractices has ignited mixed reactions among Nigerians.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The legislation titled Examination Malpractices Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2025 (HB2097), was introduced on March 6 by Hon. Esosa Iyawe, representing Oredo Federal Constituency. It seeks to repeal the 2004 Examination Malpractice Act and replace it with an updated framework that expands the scope of offences and prescribes more stringent sanctions.
Under the proposed law, individuals found guilty of leaking exam questions could face up to five years imprisonment, a fine of ₦500,000, or both. For minors (under 18) involved in such offences, the penalty would be up to three years imprisonment or the same fine. The bill also aligns penalties for minors with the provisions of the Child Rights Act.
The legislation prescribes a four-year jail term without the option of a fine for principals, teachers, examiners, and other officials involved in exam malpractices. Furthermore, individuals marking examination scripts who tamper with scores could be liable to four years imprisonment or a fine of ₦400,000—or both.
Section 4 of the bill criminalizes attempts to gain unfair advantages by stealing or tampering with exam materials, with violators facing up to three years imprisonment or a ₦500,000 fine. Impersonation during exams would attract similar sanctions.
Additionally, candidates caught cheating or communicating with external parties during an exam risk up to three years in prison, a minimum ₦300,000 fine, and disqualification from completing the exam. Offenders aiding candidates, especially those unaffiliated with the examination body, would also face heavy penalties.
Despite its intentions to curb exam fraud, the proposal has sparked criticism from various quarters. Critics argue that while exam malpractice is a serious issue, it should not overshadow more pressing national concerns such as insecurity, poverty, and economic hardship.
Chief Maxi Okwu, a legal practitioner and former APGA national chairman, condemned the bill, calling it a misplacement of priorities. “The country is battling terrorism, banditry, and hunger. Lawmakers should address these existential threats before diverting energy to less urgent issues,” he said.
Public affairs analyst Adekunle James also criticized the moral authority of the legislators, alleging that some of them may possess questionable academic credentials. “Many Nigerians can’t feed, afford healthcare, or pay rent. Legislators should be passing laws that improve lives, not punish students disproportionately,” he argued.
While some citizens appreciate efforts to improve academic integrity, others see the proposed punishments as excessive and ill-timed.
The bill is currently awaiting its second reading in the House of Representatives.
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to partnering with investors to drive development and generate employment opportunities across the state.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The governor made the statement at the Government House in Umuahia during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of the Aba Commercial Smart City, a project expected to create about 125,000 jobs.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Caleb Ajagba, Otti said the project would transform Aba and the wider Abia State into a major industrial hub, fostering sustainable economic growth and large-scale job creation upon completion.
He emphasized that his administration prioritises the creation of quality employment over handouts, noting that meaningful jobs remain the most effective way to empower youths and citizens.
The governor also called for sustained public-private sector collaboration in the state’s development, citing the recent achievement of 90 days of uninterrupted power supply in Aba as a product of effective partnership between the government and private investors.
Speaking on the project, the Manager of Technical Services for Aba Commercial Smart City, Mr. David Okoro, disclosed that the development would occupy 140 hectares of land in Osisioma and generate 25,000 direct jobs and 100,000 indirect jobs for residents of Abia State.
Ten inmates of the Old Abeokuta Custodial Centre in Ibara, Ogun State, have secured free admission into Yewa Central College of Education to study various academic programmes.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The beneficiaries, made up of seven males and three females, were admitted into courses including English Language/Social Studies, Economics/Social Studies, Political Science/Social Studies, Business Education, Physical and Health Education, Economics/Political Science, and Economics/Computer Science.
Speaking at a matriculation ceremony held within the correctional facility on Friday, the Provost of the College, Dr. Mary Bamgbose, formally welcomed the inmates into the 2025/2026 academic session and urged them to maintain good conduct.
She described the inmates as reformed and expressed confidence that they could become positive representatives of the institution after regaining their freedom.
“Today, 10 inmates who have been corrected and reformed are being matriculated into Yewa Central College of Education. As you begin this journey on February 6, 2026, I urge you to conduct yourselves properly,” Bamgbose said.
“As God is showing you mercy through this opportunity, I believe you can one day serve as good ambassadors of our college outside this system,” she added.
Speaking on behalf of the new students, Peter Adike expressed gratitude and pledged that, despite their incarceration, they are determined to make the opportunity count.
However, he noted that they still face challenges accessing essential learning resources such as teachers, textbooks, and classroom furniture.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reflected on the lasting legacy of former Nigerian Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed, describing his leadership as a moral benchmark for public service, fifty years after his death.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
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